The air in the television studio was cool and still, a stark, controlled environment insulated from the chaos of the outside world. Bright, flattering lights beat down upon a sleek, modern set, with two plush armchairs positioned at an intimate angle. Selena Bakker sat in one, her posture perfect, her hands resting gracefully in her lap. She wore a tasteful, dark dress, a symbol of a grief that was both recent and dignified. Her natural blonde hair was styled to soft waves, framing a face that was both delicate and strikingly composed.
A cameraman counted down silently with his fingers. Three... two... one... He pointed at the host.
"Action," the director's voice came through the host's earpiece.
A warm, professional smile spread across the face of the host, Baek Si-woo, a man known for his empathetic interviews. "Hello, welcome back to your favorite channel, where we talk about interesting facts. This is your host, Baek Si-woo, and today we have a very special guest, Selena Bakker."
He turned his body fully towards her, his expression softening into one of gentle concern. "For the past two months, you have been at the center of a profound tragedy and a great deal of public controversy. What do you have to say about that?"
Selena offered a small, grateful smile, her eyes glistening just enough under the lights to suggest deep emotion held bravely in check. "Yes," she said, her voice a soft, melodic instrument. "Thank you for inviting me, and for giving me this chance to speak directly to everyone."
She shifted slightly, turning her body to face the main camera, speaking not just to Si-woo, but to the nation. "Hello, everyone. My name is Kim Selena Bakker." She paused, a flicker of pain crossing her features. "I am a widow. I was married to Kim Min-jun. In South Korea, as you know, women don't use their husband's surname, so my legal name remains Selena Bakker."
She let the word 'widow' hang in the air for a moment, allowing its weight to settle on the audience. Then, her voice strengthened with a conviction that was both charming and hypnotic.
"I have always loved him," she declared, her gaze unwavering into the camera lens. "And I will always love him. He was my everything."
The statement was delivered with such serene finality that it felt like a truth etched in stone. There was no hysterics, no breaking down. Just a beautiful, tragic woman affirming her eternal devotion, a picture of grace under unimaginable pressure. It was a masterful opening to a performance that was far from over.
A charming actress. An obsessed follower. A perfect murder.
When celebrity wife Selena Bakker's husband is found dead, all eyes turn to her. But she has the perfect alibi: a live television broadcast. As detectives unravel the case, a trail of manipulation and dark secrets leads them into the past—and to a dangerously devoted man who would kill for her.
Tainted Hearts is a gripping psychological thriller that explores how far obsession can go, and the terrifying power of a beautiful lie.
Comments (0)
See all